Youth organisation hits out at ‘happy hour’ breaches

A LEADING youth organisation has hit out at the alcohol industry claiming many venues continue to show little regard for laws banning so-called “happy hour” promotions.

Quoting a recent report by the drinks industry-funded MEAS organisation – which promotes sensible drinking – Youth Work Ireland (YWI) spokesman Michael McLoughlin said: “Night clubs and alcohol venues appear to have little regard for the law.”

According to YWI, the fourth report under the MEAS code of practice shows that numerous pubs, clubs and nightclubs have had complaints upheld against them for ignoring laws that prohibit the cut- price marketing of alcohol for a limited period of time.

These promotional adverts breach the MEAS code. However, YWI has questioned whether any criminal prosecutions have been brought against these outlets and whether MEAS itself has referred any of these cases to the Garda Síochána.

Section 20 of the 2003 Intoxicating Liquor Act prohibits the discounting of alcohol for a temporary period. To do so can result in a €1,500 fine.

Mr McLoughlin said: “It would be interesting to see how many of these licensees have been fined and if MEAS, as an organisation concerned with responsible drinking, has referred any of these cases to the authorities. Many of the ads cited in the MEAS report clearly set out reduced prices for alcohol for restricted time periods. There are pages and pages of examples. We keep hearing that the industry is committed to responsible practice, this is an opportunity to prove it.

“If the industry cannot behave itself then the gardaí need to become more involved.”

MEAS Ireland were yesterday unable to confirm what legal actions had been instigated against licence holders who have contravened rules governing “happy hour” promotions.

MEAS became operational in January, 2003 and was brought into being by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).